Lucas Co. collection program to expand statewide, DeWine announces

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that a pilot program begun five years ago in Lucas County to collect money owed in delinquent fines and court costs will be expanded throughout the state.

"This is a real win for local taxpayers," Mr. DeWine said at a news conference in One Government Center in downtown Toledo.

Mr. DeWine was joined at the news conference by Lucas County Clerk of Courts Bernie Quilter.

Under the program, Mr. Quilter's office uses the attorney general's resources to collect delinquent funds.

So far, $808,371 has been collected in unpaid fines and court costs have been received through the program for the county's common pleas general division and domestic relations court, Mr. Quilter said.